What Is Considered Hazmat?
The United States government has several agencies that implement rules for the production, shipping, and disposal of hazardous materials, known for short as "hazmat." Hazardous materials refer to substances and products that can pose a significant risk to public health and the environment.
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Classification
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The U.S. Department of Transportation separates hazardous materials into nine different classifications. The most significant classes include explosives, gases, flammables, radioactive materials, and poisonous materials.
Medical Hazmat
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Practice Greenhealth notes that hazardous materials such as mercury, sterilants, disinfectants, and radiologicals are used by the health care industry on a regular basis.
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Permits
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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires that motorists obtain a Hazardous Materials Safety Permit to transport certain hazardous materials. Some of these materials that require a permit are radioactive materials, certain explosives, and poisons with inhalation risks.
Hazmat Risks
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According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), transportation accidents and chemical accidents are the leading causes of hazmat exposure.
Laws and Regulations
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Various laws, regulations, and government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) define what are considered hazard materials.
Quantities
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industrial plant The Federal Emergency Management Agency reports that an estimated 4.5 million facilities in the United States process, handle, and store hazardous materials.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kyle Simourd Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Bob King
